Media bed

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments and methods relating to a media bed are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Media sheets may be picked from a stack of media with errors sometimes occurring as a result of the picking device failing to pick a sheet or as a result of the picking device picking more than one sheet at a time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a media supply and interaction system according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating one example method for picking media according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the system of FIG. 3 with additional portions schematically shown illustrating the system in a media loading state according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the system of FIG. 3 illustrating the system in a first picking state according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the system of FIG. 3 illustrating the system in a second picking state according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 with portions schematically shown according to one example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one example embodiment of a media feed and interaction system 10 configured to pick individual sheets of media from a stack of media and to interact with such picked sheets. In one embodiment, system 10 may be configured to print or otherwise form an image upon such sheets. In another embodiment, system 10 may be configured to perform other operations upon the picked sheets of media such as scanning, stapling, binding, organizing and the like. System 10 is configured to reduce sheet picking errors by adjusting the force by which the stack of media is urged against a pick device based upon the properties of sheets being picked from the stack or based upon current environmental conditions or picking performance.

System 10 generally includes media pick device 12, media bed 14, support structure 16, media bed bias 18, actuator(s) 20, media transfer 22, media interaction device 24, sensor 26, input 28 and controller 30. Media pick device 12 constitutes a device configured to contact and engage an upper or outermost sheet 32 of a stack 34 of media resting upon bed 14 and to separate or pick the sheet 32 from the remainder of stack 34 so as to urge the separated sheet 32 towards media transfer 22. In one embodiment, media pick device 12 may include one or more pick rollers or pick tires configured to be rotatably driven by actuators 20. In other embodiments, pick device 12 may include other components configured to engage and move an outer or topmost sheet 32 relative to an underlying stack 34.

Media bed 14 constitutes one or more structures configured to support stack 34 of media generally opposite to pick device 12. Media bed 14 is further configured to be moved relate to pick device 12. In one embodiment, media bed 14 is configured to move relative to pick device 12 in the directions indicated by arrows 38. In one embodiment, media bed 14 includes a plate, tray, platform or other structure configured to pivot about an axis so as to move relative to pick device 12. In another embodiment, media bed 14 may comprise such a structure configured to linearly translate relative to pick device 12. By moving relative to pick device 12, media bed 14 may facilitate insertion of stack 34 of media between media bed 14 and pick device 12. In addition, media bed 14 may support differently sized stacks 34 of media in contact with pick device 12. Although media bed 14 is illustrated as being a horizontal bed supporting stack 34 along a generally horizontal plane, in other embodiments, media bed 14 may be tilted or may be vertical in orientation.

Support 16 constitutes a structure to which bias 18 is operably coupled so as to apply a force to media bed 14. In one embodiment, support 16 is configured to move relative to media bed 14 such that the force applied to media bed 14 by bias 18 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, support 16 may be rotatably or pivotally coupled to a stationary structure such as a frame, housing or other stationary surface associated with system 10. In one embodiment, support 16 is configured to rotate or pivot between a first position in which bias 18 applies a first force to media bed 14 and a second position in which bias 18 applies a second distinct force to media bed 14. In yet other embodiments, support 16 may be configured to slide, linearly translate or otherwise move relative to media bed 14 so as to cause bias 18 to apply different levels of force to media bed 14.

Bias 18 constitutes a member configured to resiliently urge media bed 14 towards media pick device 12 so as to also urge top or outermost sheet 32 of stack 34 into contact with and against pick device 12. In one embodiment, bias 18 is connected between support 16 and media bed 14 so as to pivot media bed 14 towards pick device 12. In another embodiment, bias 18 may be connected between support 16 and media bed 14 in other fashions so as to uniformly or non-uniformly urge media bed 14 towards media pick device 12 in other fashions. In one embodiment, media bed bias 18 may constitute a tension spring having a first end connected to support 16 and a second end connected to media bed 14, wherein movement of media bed 14 away from pick device 12 stretches the tension spring. In other embodiments, bias 18 may alternatively include a flat spring (leafspring) in a cantilevered configuration or a bowed configuration against bed 14 wherein actuator 20 adjusts tension of the leaf spring. In yet other embodiments, bias 18 may constitute other springs appropriately positioned with respect to media bed 14 and connected to support 16 so as to resiliently urge media bed 14 towards pick device 12. Examples of such other springs include leaf springs, compression springs, torsion springs and the like.

Actuator(s) 20 constitutes one or more actuators powered by electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or other power supplies configured to move pick device 12 to pick sheet 32 from stack 34 and to also move support 16 so as to adjust a level of force applied to media bed 14 by bias 18. In one embodiment, actuator(s) 20 may constitute a motor operably connected to pick device 12 by a transmission or drive train 42. Actuator(s) 20 may also be operably coupled to support 16 by an appropriate transmission or drive train 44. In one embodiment, with an appropriate clutching arrangement, a single actuator may be used to drive both pick device 12 and support 16. In yet another embodiment, independent actuators may be provided for moving pick device 12 and support 16. For example, in one embodiment, a separate independent actuator, such as a stepper motor, may be operably coupled to support 16 by drive train 44 or may be directly connected to support 16.

Media transfer 22 constitutes one or more devices configured to receive the picked sheet 32 from pick device 12 and to transfer or move the picked sheet 32 towards or to media interaction device 24. In one embodiment, media transfer 22 may include one or more rollers, belts or other structures configured to be driven by actuator(s) 20 or other actuators so as to move the picked sheet 32 of media. In other embodiments, media transfer 22 may include a separate independent actuator. Although media transfer 22 is schematically illustrated as transferring a picked sheet 32 along a generally linear horizontal path, media transfer 22 may be configured to move or transmit a picked sheet 32 of media along a vertical path, an arcuate path, a serpentine path, or combinations thereof.

Media interaction device 24 constitutes one or more devices configured to interact with a picked sheet 32 of media separated from stack 34 by pick device 12. In one embodiment, interaction device 24 may include a device configured to deposit ink, toner or other printing material upon the picked sheet 32. In yet other embodiments, interaction device 24 may constitute a device configured to scan, read or otherwise sense images, data or other recordings upon the picked sheet 32. In yet other embodiments, interaction device 24 may constitute a device configured to fasten, staple or connect multiple picked sheets 32 or configured to manipulate, shuffle or move one or more picked sheets 32 so as to separate, collate or organize such sheets.

Sensor 26 constitutes a device configured to generate sensor signals in response to the sensing or detection of a picked sheet 32 or the absence thereof. For example, in one embodiment, sensor 26 may generate particular sensor signals in response to a single sheet 32 of the media being appropriately picked by pick device 12 or in response to multiple sheets from stack 34 being undesirably picked by pick device 12. In yet another embodiment, sensor 26 may be configured to generate sensor signals in response to the absence of a sheet or a pick miss. In still other embodiments, sensor 26 may be configured to continuously or periodically generate sensor signals, wherein the generation or transmission of such signals is interrupted in response to the presence or absence of one or more picked sheets 32. In one embodiment, sensor 26 may include one or more optical sensors. In other embodiments, sensor 26 may include one or more physical media contacting sensors, such as flags configured to be tripped or moved as a result of being engaged by a picked sheet 32 of media. Although sensor 26 is schematically illustrated for purposes of illustration as being located between pick device 12 and interaction device 24, sensor 26 may alternatively be at other locations. In some embodiments, sensor 26 may be omitted.

Input 28 constitutes one or more devices configured to facilitate input of information or instructions to processor 30. In one embodiment, input 28 is configured to facilitate input of one or more characteristics of the sheets 32 of media supported by bed 14 and being picked by pick device 12. For example, in one embodiment, input 28 may be configured to facilitate input of a type or name of media upon bed 14. In yet another embodiment, input 28 may be configured to facilitate input of other information such as the weight, thickness, surface roughness and the like of media sheets 32. In yet other embodiments, input 28 may be configured to facilitate entry of information relating to environment conditions which may affect the picking performance such as humidity, temperature and the like. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may additionally be provided to communicate to controller 30 such environmental conditions.

In one example embodiment, input 28 may constitute a keyboard. In other embodiments, input 28 may constitute other input devices such as a touchpad, a touch screen, a mouse, a button, a switch or slider bar, a microphone with appropriate voice recognition software and the like. Although input 28 is illustrated as being physically associated with system 10 as part of a single unit, input 28 may alternatively be connected to system 10 wirelessly or wired through an internet or intranet in communication with system 10. In some embodiments, input 28 may be omitted.

Controller 30 is configured to analyze input or information received from other components of system 10 as well as to generate control signals directing operation of the one or more of components of system 10. In the particular example illustrated, controller 30 receives input information from sensor 26 and input 28. Based upon the information from at least one of sensor 26 and input 28, controller 30 generates control signals selectively actuating or operating actuator(s) 20 to selectively move support 16 so as to adjust levels of force applied by bias 18 to media bed 14. For example, if controller 30 receives sensor signals from sensor 26 indicating that pick device 12 is being actuated or moved by actuator(s) 20 without picking sheet 32, controller 30 may generate control signals directing actuator(s) to move support 16 to increase the level of force applied by bias 18 to media bed 14. As a result, topmost sheet 32 will be resiliently urged against pick device 12 with a greater level of force to increase frictional contact between sheet 32 and pick device 12 to enhance the likelihood of the sheet 32 being picked during the next actuation of pick device 12. Alternatively, if controller 30 receives sensor signals from sensor 26 indicating that more than one sheet 32 is being picked from stack 34 by pick device 12 at a time, processor 30 may generate control signals directing actuator(s) 20 to move support 16 to lessen the force applied by bias member 18 to media bed 14. As a result, the uppermost sheet 32 will be urged against pick device 12 with less force, reducing the likelihood of pick device 12 moving or picking more than one sheet at a time.

In yet another scenario, processor 30 may receive input from input 28 indicating that the stack 34 of media within media bed 14 constitutes a particular type of media, such as a certain size of media and media having a certain weight or surface roughness, or a sheet having a certain configuration such as a flat sheet or a folded sheet, a transparency, or a structure such as an envelope, formed from one or more sheets. In lieu of a particular name or type of media being received by controller 30, controller 30 may also receive one or more particular characteristics of the media such as its weight, surface roughness and the like. Based on such information, processor 30 may generate control signals directing actuator(s) 20 to appropriately move support 16 so as to appropriately adjust the level of force applied to media bed 14 by bias 18 to reduce the likelihood of missed picks and to reduce the likelihood of multiple picks.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, controller 30 includes one or more processing units 46 and one or more associated memories 48. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit or maybe read from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. Controller 30 is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. Processor 46 analyzes inputs and generates control signals based upon the instructions contained within memory 48.

Memory 48 constitutes one or more persistent storage devices configured to store data and instructions for instructing processor 46 to analyze input received from sensor 26 and input 28 and to further generate control signals based on such input and the results of analyzation. For example, in one embodiment, memory 48 may include a look-up table identifying the levels of force or appropriate settings for actuator(s) 20 or positions of support 16 for particular types of media that may be placed on media bed 14 or for use with media having particular characteristics (weight, size, surface roughness, etc.). Memory 48 may also contain instructions for generating control signals to appropriately adjust the positioning of support 16 and the resulting force applied by bias 18 to media bed 14 in response to receiving particular signals from sensor 26.

In one embodiment, memory 48 may constitute computer readable medium such as hardwired circuitry, an application specific integrated control (ASIC), a magnetic medium such as a disk or tape, random access memory (RAM), ROM memory or some other form of persistent storage. In one embodiment, memory 48 may be permanently associated with controller 30 and system 10. In yet another embodiment, memory 48 may be portable in nature. In still other embodiments, portions of memory 48 may be permanently associated with system 10 while portions of memory 48 may be portable or removably connected to system 10. For example, in one embodiment, memory 48 may include a disk or tape including a particular look-up table storing settings or other information for actuator(s) 20 or support 16 for various types of media that may be stored in bed 14 and picked by pick device 12.

Controller 30 may further generate control signals directing actuator(s) to appropriately drive pick device 12 to pick sheets 32 from stack 34 and to also control operation of interaction device 24. In one embodiment in which system 10 constitutes a printer or other imaging device, controller 30 may be configured to generate control signals directing the operation of pick device 12 and interaction device 24 to form one or more images upon pick sheets 32 in accordance with image data received by controller 30 from an external source or from a memory device (disk, card, tape and the like) that may be read by controller 30.

FIG. 2 is a low diagram of one example method of operation for system 10 shown in FIG. 1. Although steps are illustrated in a sequential manner, such steps may be switched or repositioned in other embodiments. As indicated by step 54, according to one example embodiment, stack 34 of sheets 32 are placed upon or loaded bed 14 opposite pick device 12. The stack 34 of sheets 32 is positioned between pick device 12 and media bed 14 by moving media bed 14 in a direction opposite to arrow 40. Thereafter, bias device 18 resiliently urges media bed 14 and stack 34 towards pick device 12 in the direction indicated by arrow 40.

As indicated by step 56, an operator may additionally input data or other information relating to the stack 34 of media positioned on bed 14 through input 28. For example, the operator may enter the name or general type of the media.

As indicated by step 58, based at least in part upon such input information, processor 46 consults memory 48 to determine an appropriate control signal for directing actuator(s) 20 to move support 16 to establish a desired initial setting for support 16 such that an appropriate level of force is applied to media bed 14 by bias 18 based at least in part upon the type of media to be picked. Controller 30 may perform a similar operation in response to the particular characteristics of the media loaded onto bed 14 being input through input 28 by an operator.

As indicated by step 60, processor 46, following instructions contained in memory 48, generates control signals directing actuator(s) 20 to drive a pick device 12 to further contact and drive the upper or outermost sheet 32 towards media transfer 22. Processor 30 further generates control signals directing media transfer 22 to continue to move the pick sheet 32 relative to or to interaction device 24, where the picked sheet 32 is interacted upon. According to one embodiment, ink or toner is deposited upon the picked sheet 32. In other embodiments, other forms of interaction with the pick sheet 32 may occur. Subsequently, the interacted upon sheet is moved on for further interaction or processing or is discharged.

As indicated by step 62, during operation of system 10, sensor 26 senses pick performance. In one embodiment, sensor 26 senses occurrences of multiple picks. In another embodiment, sensor 26 senses the occurrences of missed picks. In one embodiment, sensor 26 may be configured to sense occurrences that result from multi picks or missed picks, such as jams. Such sensed information is communicated to controller 30.

As indicated by step 64, system 10 adjusts the bias force applied to media bed 14 by bias 18 based at least upon the performance information received from sensor 26. In the particular example illustrated, processor 46, following instructions contained in memory 48, analyzes information received from sensor 26 and based at least upon such performance information, generates control signals directing actuator(s) 20 to appropriately move support 16 to adjust, upwardly or downwardly, the level of force being applied by bias 18 to media bed 14. In one embodiment in which actuator(s) 20 includes a stepper motor, controller 30 may generate control signals incrementally moving support 16 based upon performance information from sensor 26. In such a manner, system 10 facilitates closed-loop feedback control of the level of force being applied by bias 18 to media bed 14 to enhance picking performance.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate media feed and interaction system 110, one embodiment of system 10 shown and described with respect to FIG. 1. System 110 includes body 111, pick device 112, media bed 114, support 116, media bed bias 118, loading spacer 119, actuator(s) 120A (shown in FIGS. 4-6), 120B, media transfer 22 (shown in FIGS. 4-6), interaction device 24 (shown in FIG. 1), sensor 26 (shown in FIGS. 4-6), input 28 (shown in FIG. 1) and controller 30 (shown in FIGS. 4-6). Body 111 constitutes one or more structures which form the frame, housing and enclosure of system 110. Body 111 supports the remaining components of system 110. Body 111 may have various sizes and configurations depending upon the sizes of media to be interacted upon and the type of interaction performed by system 110.

Pick device 112 is configured to engage an upper, topmost or outermost sheet 32 of media from stack 34 supported by media bed 114. Pick device 112 is further configured to the upper or outermost separate sheet 32 from stack 34 and to move the sheet towards media transfer 22. As shown by FIG. 3, pick device 112 includes one or more D-shaped rollers 150 supported by shaft 152 at least partially overlapping or opposite to stack 34 and media bed 114. Each roller 150 includes a sheet contacting portion 154 and a sheet disengaging portion 156. As a result, rollers 150 alternate between a sheet-engaging state and a disengaged state during rotation about axis 158. In other embodiments, pick device 112 may have other configurations.

Media bed 114 supports stack 34 opposite to the one or more rollers 150 of pick device 112. In the particular example illustrated, media bed 114 includes a lift platform or plate 160 and a separation pad 162. Plate 160 is configured to contact an underside of stack 34. Lift plate 60 is pivotally coupled to body 111 so as to pivot about axis 164 towards and away from the one or more rollers 150. Separation pad 162 is supported by body 111 at an end of lift plate 160 and is configured to engage an edge of the sheets 32 of stack 34 of media. Separation pad 156 facilitates separation of the upper or outermost sheet 32 from the remainder of stack 34.

Support 116 constitutes a structure movably supported by body 111 and connected to bias 118. Support 116 supports bias 118 relative to lift plate 160 of bed 114 to facilitate application of force to lift plate 160 by bias 118. In the particular example illustrated, support 116 includes an elongate shaft 168 and a crank 170. Shaft 168 is operably connected to actuator(s) 120B and supports crank 170. Crank 170 constitutes a projection, arm or other extension extending from shaft 168 and connected to bias 118. Shaft 168 is pivotally supported by body 111. Rotation of shaft 168 in a counterclockwise direction (as seen in FIG. 3) pivots crank 170 about axis 172 to stretch bias 118, causing bias 118 to apply a greater force to lift plate 160 of bed 114. Likewise, rotation of shaft 168 in a clockwise direction (as seen in FIG. 3) permits bias 118 to resiliently return to its original state, lessening a level of force being applied to lift plate 160 of media bed 114.

Bias 118 constitutes a tension spring having a first end connected to crank 170 on a first side of axis 158 of roller 150 and a second end connected to lift plate 160 on a second opposite side of axis 158 of roller 150. As a result, bias 118 urges lift plate 160 towards rollers 150 as it is being stretched. In other embodiments, bias 118 may alternatively constitute a compression spring, wherein both crank 170 and both ends of bias 118 are located on one side of axis 158 with lift plate 160 extending between bias 118 and axis 158 such that the spring must be compressed as it is moved away from axis 158 and roller 150.

Loading spacer 119 constitutes a structure, such as a cam, configured to move and retain lift plate 160 of media bed 114 in the loading position shown in FIG. 4 when the one or more rollers 150 are in their non-picking state. In particular, loading spacer 119 retains lift plate 160 in its loading position shown in FIG. 4, while surface 156 of the one or more rollers 150 is spaced from and out of contact with stack 34. As a result, loading spacer 119 holds lift plate 160 against the bias from bias 118 in a spaced or open position, facilitating insertion of stack 134 upon lift plate 160 with portions of stack 34 positioned between lift plate 160 and the one or more pick rollers 150. Loading spacer 119 is further configured such that during picking of a sheet 32 from stack 34, loading spacer 119 is repositioned with respect to lift plate 160, allowing bias 118 to urge lift plate 160 towards roller 150 and stack 34 against surface 154 of the one or more rollers 150. In the particular example illustrated, loading spacer 119 is fixedly secured to shaft 152 such that when roller 150 is rotated for picking (i.e., surface 154 is brought into contact with uppermost sheet 32), projection 172 of lift plate 160 rides against spacer 119 such that plate 160 moves towards roller 150.

Actuator 120A (shown in FIGS. 4-6) constitutes an actuator, such as a motor, in communication with controller 130 and operably coupled to shaft 152 by a drive train or the like so as to rotatably drive shaft 152. As a result, actuator 120A also drives spacer 119 between the loading position shown in FIG. 4 and the picking position in which lift plate 160 is permitted to move stack 34 into engagement with pick roller 150. Actuator 120A further rotatably drives the one or more pick rollers 150 between the non-picking or loading position shown in FIG. 4 and the picking position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in which surface 154 is in engagement with sheet 32 and drives sheet 32 to media transfer 22.

Actuator 120B constitutes an actuator, such as a motor, in communication with controller 130 and operably coupled to shaft 168 to selectively rotate shaft 168 in both directions, less than 360 degrees about axis 172 to selectively position crank 170 at selected positions about axis 172. As crank 170 is moved about axis 172, bias 118 is either stretched or allowed to at least partially return to its at rest state so as to adjust the force that it applies to lift plate 160. In one particular embodiment, actuator 120B constitutes a stepper motor. In other embodiments, actuator 120B may constitute other motors or actuators. For example, in other embodiments, actuator 120B may alternatively constitute an electric solenoid mechanically linked or operably coupled to shaft 168 or crank 170 to appropriately rotate crank 170 about axis 172. In still other embodiments, actuator 120B may constitute an electric solenoid or a cylinder-piston assembly (pneumatic or hydraulic) directly connected to bias 118 so as to move an end of bias 118 to adjust the force that bias 118 applies to lift plate 160.

Media transfer 22, interaction device 24 (shown in FIG. 1), sensor 26, input 28 (shown in FIG. 1) and controller 30 are described above with respect to system 10. In general, media transfer 22 receives picked sheets and transfers picked sheets relative to media interaction device 24 which interacts with such media. Sensor 26 senses one or more attributes of pick performance, such as multiple picks, accurate single picks or missed picks. In particular embodiments, sensor 26 may additionally or alternatively sense environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature and the like which may impact pick performance. Input 28 facilitates entry of information or instructions from an operator or an external device relating to the type of media being picked or the characteristics of such media. Controller 30 analyzes information from sensor 26 and input 28 and generates control signals directing actuator 120B to appropriately position crank 170 to control and adjust the amount of force bias 118 applies to lift plate 160 to enhance picking performance.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the general operation of system 110. As shown in FIG. 4, controller 30 generates control signals directing actuator 120A to drive shaft 152 so as to position the one or more pick rollers 150 and loading spacer 119 to the position shown. As a result, lift plate 160 is held away from the one or more rollers 150 against the force applied by bias 118 in the loading position. As a result, an operator may insert a stack 34 of media upon lift plate 160 between lift plate 160 and the one or more rollers 150.

As shown by FIG. 5, in response to receiving instructions for interaction with the uppermost or outermost sheet 32 of stack 34, controller 30 generates control signals directing actuator 120A to rotate shaft 152 which results in the rotation of spacer 119 and the one or more pick rollers 150. As a result, the force applied by bias 118 to lift plate 160 lifts lift plate 160 and moves stack 34 into contact with surface 154 of the one or more rollers 150. Continued rotation of the one or more rollers 150 moves the top or uppermost sheet 32 from lift plate 160 to media transfer 22.

FIG. 6 illustrates adjustment of force applied by bias 118 to lift plate 160. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates actuator 120B (shown in FIG. 4) pivoting shaft 168 about axis 172 to rotate or pivot crank 170 in a counterclockwise direction (as seen in FIG. 6) to stretch bias 118 such that bias 118 applies a greater force to lift plate 160. Actuator 120B selectively rotates shaft 168 to the position shown in FIG. 6 in response to control signals from controller 30.

Controller 30 may generate such control signals based upon sensor signals from sensor 26 or based upon input received via input 28 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, controller 30 may receive sensor signals from sensor 26 indicating completed revolutions of pick rollers 150 without corresponding sheets 32 being picked or passing relative to sensor 26. In response to such signals indicating missed picks, controller 30 may generate control signals causing bias 118 to apply a greater force to lift plate 160, creating greater frictional contact between the one or more rollers 150 and the uppermost or outermost sheet 32 to decrease the likelihood of a subsequent missed pick. Alternatively, controller 30 may determine from information received via input 28 (shown in FIG. 1) regarding the type of media loaded in media bed 114 or the particular environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, etc.) that pick performance may be enhanced by bias 118 applying a greater force to lift plate 160 to increase frictional contact between the one or more pick rollers 150 and the sheet 32 to be picked.

In still other scenarios, controller 30 may generate control signals causing bias 118 to apply a lesser force to lift plate 160. In such a scenario, controller 30 may generate control signals directing actuator 120B to alternatively rotate shaft 168 in a clockwise direction (as seen in FIG. 5) to also rotate crank 170 in a clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 6 towards the position shown in FIG. 5. For example, controller 30 may receive sensor signals from sensor 26 indicating that roller 150 has previously picked multiple sheets or that media jams have occurred. In response to such sensor signals, controller 30 may lessen the force applied by bias 118 to lift plate 160 to reduce the frictional contact between sheet 32 and the one or more rollers 150 which may also result in reduced frictional contact between the uppermost or outermost sheet 32 and the underlying sheet 32 to lessen the likelihood of subsequent multiple picks. In another scenario, controller 30 may determine that the likelihood of multiple picks may be decreased based upon input received through input 28 (shown in FIG. 1) such as the particular type of media to be picked or characteristics of the media being picked.

FIG. 7 illustrates media feed and interaction system 210, another embodiment of system 10 shown in FIG. 1. System 210 is similar to system 110 except that system 210 includes lever 220 (schematically shown) in lieu of actuator 120B. Those remaining components of system 210 which correspond to the components of system 110 are numbered similarly.

Lever 220 constitutes a structure projection, handle, tab or other structure operably coupled to shaft 168 and configured to facilitate manual rotation of shaft 168 by an operator. In one embodiment, lever 220 pivots about an axis between a first position 225 (shown in solid) in which crank 170 is at a first position such that bias 118 applies a first force to lift plate 160 of bed 114 and a second position 227 (shown in phantom) in which crank 170 is also at a second position such that bias 118 applies a distinct greater force to lift plate 160. In the particular example illustrated, lever 220 is releasably retained in either the first position or the second position by over-center action. In other embodiments, lever 220 may be releasably retained or held in the first and second positions by a notch, groove or other detent formed in body 111, by latching mechanism or other retention means.

In the particular example illustrated, system 210 additionally includes indicia 239 and 241 indicating to an operator appropriate positioning of lever 220 for particular media types. For example, in one embodiment, the first position 225 of lever 220 may result in a lesser force being applied to lift plate 160 for enhanced pick performance of single unfolded sheets of media on bed 114. Indicia 239 may constitute text, graphics and the like indicating that lever 220 should be in the first position 239 when such media is to be picked.

In one embodiment, the second position 227 may correspond to the position that lever 220 should be in to apply an appropriate level of force to enhance the picking performance of envelopes. In one embodiment, indicia 24 may constitute text or images indicating to an operator that lever 220 should be in the second position 227 when envelopes are loaded on bed 114. Overall, system 210 provides for enhanced picking of different types of media with fewer parts and at a lower cost.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a media pick device; a media bed movable relative to the media pick device; a media bed bias; an actuator; and a controller configured to generate control signals, wherein the actuator moves the media bed bias to adjust force at which the media bed is urged towards the media pick device in response to the control signals.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signals based at least upon occurrences of multiple pick sheets.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signals based at least upon occurrences of missed picks.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signals based upon a characteristic of a medium upon the bed.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a movable support, wherein the bias is coupled between the support and the bed and wherein the actuator is coupled to the support to move the support to adjust a force at which the media bed is urged towards the media pick device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the media bed bias includes a tension spring.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support pivots.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the support pivots.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to generate sensor signals representing picking or missed picking of sheets, wherein the controller generates the control signals based at least in part upon the sensor signals.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a media interaction device configured to act with a picked medium.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an input in communication with the controller and configured to facilitate input of at least one characteristic of media on the bed.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a stepper motor.
 13. An apparatus comprising: a media pick device; a media bed movable relative to the media pick device; a support structure; and a spring between the support structure and the bed, wherein the support structure is movable between a first position in which the spring applies a first force to the bed and a second position in which the spring applies a second force to the bed.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the support is configured to pivot.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a manually actuatable lever coupled to the support to pivot the support.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the lever is configured to pivot the support between discrete identified positions, each position corresponding to a type of medium to be picked.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising an actuator operably coupled to the support to move the support between the first position and the second position.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a controller configured to generate control signals, wherein the actuator moves the support in response to the control signals.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a sensor configured to generate sensor signals representing picking or missed picking of sheets, wherein the control generates the control signals based at least in part upon the sensor signals.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising an input in communication with the controller and configured to facilitate input of at least one characteristic of media on the bed.
 21. A method comprising: biasing a media bed towards a pick device with a force; and generating control signals to selectively operate an actuator to adjust the force.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising sensing a presence or absence of one or more picked sheets, wherein the force is adjusted based at least in part on the sensed presence or absence of the one or more picked sheets.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the media bed is biased by a spring between the bed and a support and wherein the force is adjusted by the actuator moving the support.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the force is adjusted by the actuator pivoting the support.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the force is adjusted based upon a characteristic of a medium being picked from the bed.
 26. The method of claim 21 comprising inputting at least one characteristic of a medium to be picked from the bed, wherein the force is adjusted based at least upon the at least one characteristic.
 27. A method comprising: resiliently biasing a media bed towards a pick device with a tension spring having a first end connected to a support structure and a second end connected to the bed; and moving the support to adjust a force supplied by the spring to the bed.
 28. The method of claim 27 further comprising manually moving a lever operably coupled to the support.
 29. The method of claim 27 further comprising generating control signals to selectively operate an actuator to move the support.
 30. An apparatus comprising: a pick device; a media bed; means for urging the bed towards the pick device with a force; and means for selectively adjusting the force based at least upon at least one of picking performance, media characteristics or environmental conditions. 